Post by Ramsay318 on Jun 15, 2018 12:26:04 GMT

I am extremely thankful for my wife. She brought me out of my shell in a big way, and encourages me constantly to pursue my interests, including collecting swords. And, on the flip side, she keeps me humble, which is probably for the best.

My only blade right now is my Darkwood rapier, which was a gift from my wife, Christmas 2016. She saved up for it with tips for months when we were on hard times and took me completely by surprise. It's pretty much a physical reminder of all that she has done to help and encourage me.

Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit upon his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.--H.L. Mencken

Gizur: "Is Gunnar at home?"Thorgrim: "Find out for yourselves. This I do know, that his spear is home."--Burnt Njal, 76

Post by SandStormZA on Jun 23, 2018 12:23:45 GMT

First off, I'm lucky to have a family of incredibly supportive people. Luckily, none of them read SBG, so they won't think I'm playing favorites.Anyway, I'm grateful for my stepdad, Paul. I met him in 2007, after my parents got divorced. He could have been a stereotypical "step" parent, he could have matched what the movies warned about a new parent, but he wasn't. We got along instantly, and he became one of the most important people in my life. My bio dad was absent for a lot of my childhood and teenage years, but Paul has been a constant inspiration and a glowing example of the man I'm still trying to become. Also, one of the first ways we bonded was with a shared love of katanas.

As to my favorite sword, it's this one: an antique 1882 cavalry trooper's sword. I don't have a good picture unfortunately, I really need a photo shoot of my collection. It has an interesting history too, it was used in a Mounted Skill at Arms sport called "Cutting the Lemon" by it's previous owner. He coated the blade and guard in this black rust-prevention stuff, and unfortunately also turned the spear point into a rounded tip for safety reasons. I get why he cut it down, but it's still a pity. Luckily, this just gives it some more personality. Also, best part: I bought this and a cavalry lance for the equivalent of $35, which a steal even here in South Africa.

Post by pellius on Jun 24, 2018 5:29:50 GMT

I am genuinely thankful for my entire family. In honor of this contest, I will gladly take the opportunity to single out my son as a family member that I admire, love and in whom I take great pride. Although he is still young, he has already developed into a caring, conscientious and engaging person filled with curiosity and wonder for the world and its inhabitants. He has shown determined strength in overcoming the significant challenges and hard difficulties in his young life. He is very much the embodiment of joy. Though I do not have the space here to relate the entire glorious story, I can tell you that my efforts to be the father he needed led me back to the Heavenly Father whom we all need. I am proud to be his dad, and give thanks for him every day.

It is tough for me to choose a favorite blade, but I do have a strong affinity for my French 1829 mounted artillery officer saber. It is dated June 1832, and is in fairly nice condition.

Post by William Swiger on Jun 25, 2018 0:46:08 GMT

I am most grateful for my Grandfather. His name is Henry F. Swiger. He was born in 1900 to very poor farmers in West Virginia. He left home and moved into a bunk house for timber workers since his family could not really feed the children they had. He worked in the timber year until he fibbed about his age and joined the Navy. He wanted to be a career sailor and was in WWI. There was an accident on ship loading cargo and a cable snapped and took out one of his eyes. He was discharged and went back to WV. Even though he only got to go through 3rd grade, he was a self taught man and could read and do mathematics very well. He worked in the coal mines for years doing back-braking work and finally go a job with the WV State Road and made his way up to assistant commissioner for the county. He actually turned the number one job as he thought he did not have enough education to do the job well. Turns out he ended up doing it anyway as his boss delegated everything. He retired from there and served as our small town street and water commissioner until in his mid-sixties.

He was so special to me as he filled a father role my own dad was not very good at. He taught me to read, basic math, and even write my name while being a young kid. He told me all these great stories of what he had seen in the world while serving in the Navy. He also told me many stories of his life as a timber mill worker back when it was hand saws and horses. He taught me to shoot, fish, work raising a big garden and so much more.

He came from nothing and worked very hard all his life overcoming everything that came his way. Built a place for his mother to live, raised 4 children that all turned out well. Was active in many fraternal clubs and generous to all his family. During the Depression, when he came home from work, there would always be family members from both sides needing a meal or a place to stay. When he passed in his eighties, back in 1984, his estate was around 200k and each kid got 50k. He died from black lung disease he got working in the mines.

His life was an inspiration as he left home at 9-years old and only got to finish 3rd grade. If I ever live to be half the man he was, I would consider that a good thing.

My favorite sword currently is the Windlass Fantasy Viking Sword. It is not the best sword I own by any means, but was one of my first fantasy swords. It got me more into historical dark age and medieval swords. The Albion Valkyrja also has a special place in my collection.

Do not have good pictures of it but this is what the sword looks like borrowed from on-line:

Attachments:

"We can have no "50-50" allegiance in this country. Either a man is an American and nothing else, or he is not an American at all." — Theodore Roosevelt

Post by christain on Jun 25, 2018 12:18:20 GMT

Got you beat there, William. My ol' Granpappy (on Mothers side) was born in 1889, in Oak Grove, Texas. Went to WW1 and got a Purple Heart for a bullet in the shoulder, and a free ride home. He bought a peddler's wagon and sold Watkins products and other items, bought our property here at Cartwright in '29, along with a general store and a cotton gin. The cotton gin is long gone, but the store remained open until the early '80's with his passing at the tender age of 92. He died from complications of mouth cancer, and no tobacco ever touched his lips. He drank one beer every day, but never on Sunday, and made a fifth of whisky last all winter. He was one hell of a man.

Post by adtharp on Jun 25, 2018 16:49:37 GMT

I am grateful for my Father - he has always been an inspiration to me and my family. He just retired this year after working 40 years as a doctor. He honest, funny, and easily one of the smartest people I know. He has always been fascinated by Ham Radio and loves being on the water. We are excited for his retirement and a chance to pursue his passions.

I am not posting my favorite sword - but his. I know this is his favorite, because it is his only one. I purchased him a US M1840 Medical Corps sword for his retirement.

Post by William Swiger on Jun 25, 2018 21:03:16 GMT

Got you beat there, William. My ol' Granpappy (on Mothers side) was born in 1889, in Oak Grove, Texas. Went to WW1 and got a Purple Heart for a bullet in the shoulder, and a free ride home. He bought a peddler's wagon and sold Watkins products and other items, bought our property here at Cartwright in '29, along with a general store and a cotton gin. The cotton gin is long gone, but the store remained open until the early '80's with his passing at the tender age of 92. He died from complications of mouth cancer, and no tobacco ever touched his lips. He drank one beer every day, but never on Sunday, and made a fifth of whisky last all winter. He was one hell of a man.

This isn't my entry...just sayin'.....

How does that beat mine?

"We can have no "50-50" allegiance in this country. Either a man is an American and nothing else, or he is not an American at all." — Theodore Roosevelt

Post by William Swiger on Jun 25, 2018 23:29:35 GMT

Well, not really 'got you beat', just sayin my Gramps was born in the 1800's, that's all. Not that many that old left for us to learn from.

My father was the youngest son and was 30 when I was born. I am the next to the youngest grandchild and have 1st cousins in their 70's. Was not around for the generation before my grandpa.....lol Was around folks born in 1800-something but not family.

Post by christain on Jun 25, 2018 23:50:18 GMT

Mine is a long gone breed. Nothing left of my blood-line but my sister, her two kids, one grandchild, me, and a few far distant cousins. Although....my sister SWEARS that a friend of hers that I dated briefly has a daughter that's the spittin' image of me. That's okay though...she's now married to a rich man and the lil' girl has a silver spoon in her mouth.

Post by elbrittania39 on Jun 27, 2018 21:43:51 GMT

Okay I'll go.

1. My first serious girl friend meant a lot to me. We played it off and on for a couple years before finally having a falling out that neither of us really wanted to recover from. It's a shame we couldn't make it work, but I fell in love for the first and only time in my life and developed a lot as a person. Surely that's worth something.

2. M1909 Persian Dragoon Shashka. Had some restorative work done, and now the old boy is my go to. Handles like a champ, extremely hard steel, and amazing temper. Also really rust resistant for some reason. Its always my last blade to need oiling.

Post by Dalin Caulder on Jun 29, 2018 12:24:59 GMT

My great Grandfather - George Hooper>

Born into a british family on the Isle of Wight he would eventually land in a Bernardo Home for Children (Orphanage) before coming to Canada at the age of 12. In his early 20's he joined the Canadian Military and served during the 1st world war at battles such as Arrat, Paschendale, Somme and Dieppe. He came home bringing with him a war bride (my Great grandmother. He lived the remainder of his life until 1972 fathering several children (one who would serve and die in WWII).

Inigo Montoya: You are using Bonetti’s Defense against me, ah?Man in Black: I thought it fitting considering the rocky terrain.Inigo: Naturally, you must suspect me to attack with Capa Ferro?Man in Black: Naturally, but I find that Thibault cancels out Capa Ferro. Don’t you?Inigo: Unless the enemy has studied his Agrippa… which I have.

Shoutbox

ouroboros: Morning Kim, I wonder if a post in the General board might help solve your question? Shoutbox can see messages disappear pretty quick some mornings. Welcome aboard!Feb 22, 2019 12:53:05 GMT

kim: Hi I have just purchased a 1822 model French cavalry sword made at chatellerault in 1883, on the top of the blade I have an S in a diamond shape then a R in a circle also what looks to be a D with a star connected to the top also inside a circle, the reasoFeb 22, 2019 8:21:07 GMT

kalkikrosah: I noticed KOA has been stocking a whole lot of Baltimore Knife & Sword wares lately. What is everyone's opinion of them so far?Feb 22, 2019 1:38:18 GMT

redscorpion: I prefer to think of myself as "vintage' or "seasoned", not antique...Feb 21, 2019 22:37:48 GMT

christain: I'm really not much of a social-gathering type of person, but I love to Ren-Fest so I can walk around in an outlandish costume (except Halloween) and not have anyone look at me funny...other than to admire. Feb 21, 2019 1:21:46 GMT

redscorpion: Been doing too much work myself. I would love to take some time and attend a nerd-fest of some type, but I don't see that happening for at least the next 6 months. Feb 21, 2019 0:43:05 GMT

christain: I'll (hopefully) get back to work in time to put a little cash stash back. Having a 'seasonal' job can really suck. Very slow in the winter. Feb 20, 2019 22:58:36 GMT

nerdthenord: Probably not this year unfortunately. Who knows next year.Feb 20, 2019 22:45:01 GMT

christain: Speaking of Springtime...Any of you Texans planning on going to Scarborough Fair this year? I hope to be able to go. Costume?: As yet undecided. Armor?: Almost 100% sure thing. Feb 20, 2019 20:56:40 GMT

christain: Rain and cold was intolerable yesterday. Today....I went outside with my dogs wearing just my PJ's and a bathrobe. WTF? It's a wonder people aren't keeling over from pneumonia. Call me ready for Springtime. Feb 20, 2019 20:50:28 GMT

Djinnobi ☽✮☾: It is quite warm over here in central Canada as well. Only -18CFeb 20, 2019 18:19:34 GMT

redscorpion: 11 C (53 in real measurement), but gloomy grey and drizzle rain- very English. Not so bad for this time of year. Good camping weather.Feb 20, 2019 14:25:39 GMT

christain: Not frozen seas here (yet), but plenty wet and icky cold outside. Good day to stay inside huddled up in bed with the missus, puppydawgs, a bag of popcorn, and an old movie. Feb 19, 2019 20:36:40 GMT

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